Vectorworks 2010 - Introduction

Vectorworks 2010 Products 7
Vectorworks Spotlight 2010 Getting Started Guide
Introduction
This guide is not designed to make you an expert in Vectorworks, Spotlight or Renderworks. It is designed to teach the basics of
working with these software tools. This is one of many possible workows. Your own methods may vary slightly over time. This book
only begins to scrape the surface as to what can be done with Vectorworks Spotlight.
I work on a Macintosh computer; thus all of the screen shots here show the MacOS. Windows users will nd the same information in
the same places. It may look a bit different. From time to time, I have inserted information about keyboard shortcuts. Again, I generally
make reference to the Command Key. On a PC, that usually means the Control Key. There is a complete reference to these shortcuts
in the help les, complete with cross referencing the two OS.
This guide comes as a shorter introduction piece in printed form, and exists in a more thorough form on the accompanying DVD.
When I teach Vectorworks, I stress the architectural concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Simply put,this is working and
collaborating in the three-dimensional environment. On a more complex level, BIM allows 2D and 3D representations of objects
connected with data. On a collaborative level, this allows a set designer to provide a void and T
echnical Directors to ll parts of that void
with structure, lighting designers to add instrumentation, sound designers to insert microphones or speakers and video designers to
add screens and gear. BIM in the performing arts allows for a truly collaborative space for the various partners to work and share
information across a series of referenced les.
As a professional, I work this way. I nd that this workow allows me to develop a project from beginning to end, collaborate effectively
and produce both presentational materials and construction documents that evolve with the design.
Working in the 3D space with dynamic links to presentations (sheet layers) keeps the entire project constantly update
Using Metric Units with Exercises
All exercise data set les for this tutorial are set to use imperial units.